Detroit Evening Report: Reparations task force seeks more community feedback, Detroit celebrates green transit wins + more
The Coleman A. Young Municipal Center.
On this episode of the Detroit Evening Report, stories include Detroit’s Reparation Task Force seeking more community feedback, the city celebrating its green transit at a national conference and more.
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Detroit’s Reparations Task Force wants more community feedback
Detroit’s reparations task force is looking for input from residents on how to address systemic racism toward Black Detroiters. The survey is expected to help complete a report that will be presented to Detroit City Council. The survey will cover housing and land use, education and cultural engagement, and quality of life. The survey will ask residents to rank how important a list of topics are. To take the survey, send an email to reparations@detroitmi.gov.
Autonomous shuttle service now live in Detroit
The Connect, a free autonomous shuttle service, launched in Corktown this week. The shuttle runs on a nearly 11 mile route from Michigan Central to Pensole Lewis College on the city’s eastside. The project is in partnership with the city of Detroit, Bedrock, Michigan Central and the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, with Perrone Robotics providing autonomous vehicle technology.
Another autonomous vehicle shuttle Accessibili-D launched June 20, providing rides to older residents and people with disabilities. The goal is to integrate autonomous vehicles into public transit , improving accessibility and reducing congestion in the city. May Mobility, a Michigan-based company specializing in self-driving technology, is behind the project. It’s a part of Detroit’s broader push toward advance mobility solutions.
Editor’s note: Story has been updated to clarify The Connect and Accessibili-D are two separate programs.
Detroit showcases green transit wins at annual conference
Detroit’s efforts to improve non-motorized transit were highlighted at the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals Annual Conference held in Detroit this week. Since adopting a non-motorized plan in 2010, Detroit has focused on adding bike lanes as part of broader efforts to make streets safer and more accessible. WDET’s Amanda LeClaire has more.
Rite-Aid closing all Michigan stores by the end of September
Rite-Aid plans to close all 186 Michigan stores by the end of September. The Detroit Free Press reports the pharmacy chain will transfer customer prescriptions to Walgreens. Rite-Aid filed for bankruptcy last fall due to falling sales and rising costs — including legal bills related to opioid lawsuits against the company and other retail drug stores.
Detroit health department providing free health screenings
The Detroit Health Department is offering Community Health Worker Services to provide free preventative health screening for residents in seven existing Neighborhood Wellness Centers. Residents can get screenings for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol — as well as free COVID tests. Site services begin today and will last through Saturday, Aug. 17. No appointments are required.
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